Julie Kelly

Memorial Services for Julie E. Kelly, 54, of Arkadelphia will be held on the Henderson State University Campus, in Arkansas Hall, on Monday at 10:00 A.M. Julie passed away peacefully in her home in the early morning hours on July 14, 2016 with her husband at her side.

Julie was born on December 1, 1961 in Fort Worth, TX and spent her childhood years with her family in Rockwall, TX. Julie attended Rockwall High School where she enjoyed sports, sailing and equestrian activities. After graduating from high school she attended Texas A&M where she graduated with a B.A. in recreation. Julie continued her education at Southern Arkansas University where she obtained her M.S. Exercise Science. She briefly served as an instructor for Henderson State University in the Education Department. Her primary focus for the past couple of years was her love for Zumba and working with others to improve their physical and mental fitness.

She will be remembered by those who knew her best as a devoted and loving wife and mother to 12 children, and grandmother to two young boys. Her greatest joy in life came when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her words of wisdom, her endless energy and her genuine love for all of those she met. She was passionate about life, ever the optimist, and always saw the best in others.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Nancy Grant; and her brother, James "Buddy" Grant.

Survivors include her husband, Michael Kelly; her children, Robert Henkhaus, Catherine Ballard and her husband Garrett Ballard, Harrison Durrett, Elizabeth Durrett, Madeline Durrett, Evelyn Durrett, William Durrett, and her step children Kimo Kalana, Ashley Kelly, Scott Kelly and his wife Amy, Cathryn Kelly, and Amber Kelly; and her grandchildren, Aiden and Asher Ballard.